Every day, I try to discover a little bit of something. Anything really. I rarely “predesignate” that for which I am seeking. But I sure do try to find it. You know, the “ABCs” of pulling out Sword Excalibur. Or. Learning, for certain, just how many feet the Loch Ness Monster has. And, technically, she’s not a monster. It is just that in 1289, Robert the Bruce got a pet lizard for his 10th birthday. His mother wanted none of it, so she flushed the thing. It ended up in the Loch Ness. And you know how big the gators can get in the New York sewer systems. Well, this thing got large, hence the “monster” tag.
Anyway. I’m always on the prowl for information. Much of the time, it is of a spiritual nature. I seek. I’m told that when Ye seek, Ye shall find. So this little Ye, looks.
Just yesterday morning, I was reading some good advice from Pema Chodron about finding the unpredictability of non-resistance. Letting things happen as they do. The passage was lengthy, and I read it several times over, trying to accept these words of advice. Trying to let go of my constant need to control the circle around me. It was New Year’s Eve morning. I was working it.
In some ways, I think these things will “resurface” in my mind throughout the day. Ways to grow, and see, and think.
And mostly it was a good day.
In fact, a couple of friends came over for New Year’s Eve, to have a couple of pizzas, and watch a movie.
As the four of us were trying to select the movie, I offered no resistance. I decided that I would be happy watching whatever was selected. As we flipped through the Amazon New Releases, one friend suggested the action-thriller with Denzel Washington, in which he plays a pretty tough guy. Equalizer 2. And that was our show.
It was a good movie. I like Denzel. But toward the end, I looked over to the group, (who are all over 65 and who were focused on eating their bowls of ice cream) , and I said, “You know. Wouldn’t it be nice to be a Bad Ass? Wouldn’t you just love to have a little Bad Ass in you?”
I’m not sure who agreed, and who just laughed, but there seemed to be a general consensus. Of course, if Pema Chodron had been in the room, I think we would have given her a big Buddha heart attack.
But, it has stuck with me. Right along side of that path of least resistance. I’ve been focused on learning the latter for quite some time now. The way of peace. The method of equanimity. But sometimes, I just wish I had a little bit of that Bad Ass in me, to shore things up, here and there.
In my heart, I know that the direction of serenity, tranquility, and kindness is the right way to go. The good thing to do. In theory, it is grand. But the head sometimes questions. The mind wonders. The feelings arise.
So, for now, I’m headed off to Assassin’s School.
Wish me luck.
Oh. And, Happy New Year.
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“You always own the option of having no opinion. There is never any need to get worked up or to trouble your soul about things you can’t control. These things are not asking to be judged by you. Leave them alone.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
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“Equanimity is the hallmark of spirituality. It is neither chasing nor avoiding but just being in the middle.”
― Amit Ray, Meditation: Insights and Inspirations
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Dave York: They’re tying up loose ends.
Robert McCall: Exactly.
— Equalizer 2
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